Electing silence

Saturday

Dec 8, 2012 at 6:00 AM

The Worcester Election Commission Thursday night adopted a Jekyll-and-Hyde approach as it wrapped up several loose ends from election season.

On the one hand, commissioners quickly and properly rejected two petitions brought against poll workers. One failed to specify any instances of misconduct or incompetence. The panel also disposed of a petition filed by Deborah Butler of Framingham.

Commissioners called Ms. Butler to speak, and then — politely but firmly and relentlessly — pointed out several key errors, including that the worker named was not at the polling location cited in the complaint.

“Again, if you want to go with substance over form, that’s fine,” said Ms. Butler. That comment drew laughter in the room, and the commissioners then dismissed Ms. Butler’s petition.

But when it came to getting answers about the conduct of City Clerk David Rushford, there was nothing to laugh about.

Commissioners exhibited a remarkable lack of curiosity regarding statements and claims Mr. Rushford made regarding rules governing poll observers — claims rejected by and characterized as “patently false” in the second of two letters from the secretary of state’s office.

“I wasn’t aware that you were going to ask me some specific questions, commissioner, so if you would like a response to anything, one, two, three or any number of questions, I would be happy to do that if the questions and inquiries are appropriate … and get you that in the form of a report,” Mr. Rushford said.

Asked a second time by Mr. Winant to address the matter, Mr. Rushford replied “Again, I’m not going to make any rash statements here.”

Mr. Rushford’s refusal to address in a public session the obvious inconsistencies and untruths he promulgated in this past election season is disappointing.

It is equally disappointing that a commission that has shown itself to be so competent, precise and prompt in handling public complaints appears unwilling to apply the same standard of review to the city clerk’s actions.

Mr. Rushford did invite written questions. We suggest commissioners gather their courage, accept his offer and release the promised report as soon as possible.